Windows 3.x/MS-DOS Installation 4-45

MEMORY

specifies the memory location to use. It is specified

 

in hexadecimal notation and is not a segment

 

value. Specify the full address for all drivers. For

 

example, D2000, not D200. The PRO/100 PC

 

Card uses 4 Kbytes of memory (1000 hexadecimal)

 

for the LAN. Use the MODE IO setting to disable

 

MEMORY MODE. Default is D2000. Possible

 

values are C0000 through E0000.

MEMORYBASEADDRESS

see MEMORY.

MEMWAITSTATESspecifies the number of wait states that should be added to memory accesses to the card. Values are decimal 1 to 3. On extremely fast machines it may be necessary for the driver to run with waitstates. By default, the driver will attempt to automatically configure this parameter. The keyword is provided as a troubleshooting aid.

MODE

specifies whether to run the network in memory-

 

mapped or I/O mode. Values are the ASCII

 

strings MEMORY or IO. The default setting is

 

MEM. Set this keyword to IO to disable requests

 

for memory-mapped mode on systems that only

 

support an I/O driven card.

NOCHECK

disables verification of adapter resources. This

 

keyword is intended to be used as a troubleshoot-

 

ing tool.

NOCOM

the PRO/100 PC Card driver will configure a

 

COM port by default. The NOCOM keyword can

 

be used to defeat this feature. If the keyword is not

 

used, the modem is enabled. LAN operations are

 

not affected.

NOEARLYRX

disables Advanced Look-ahead Pipelining features

 

of the PRO/100 PC Card. You may need this

 

keyword for NDIS version 2.01 drivers which do

 

not fully support the “early RX” feature.

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Intel PRO/100 appendix Memorybaseaddress, Mode, Nocheck, Nocom, Noearlyrx
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PRO/100 specifications

The Intel PRO/100 network adapter series, introduced in the mid-1990s, revolutionized networking by providing robust performance and reliability for both desktop and server environments. These adapters were pivotal in enabling fast Ethernet connectivity, helping to establish standards that would be instrumental in the advancement of network technology.

One of the primary features of the Intel PRO/100 series is its support for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet speeds. This dual-speed capability allowed organizations to transition seamlessly from older 10 Mbps networks to faster 100 Mbps connections without the need for a complete hardware overhaul. This adaptability made the PRO/100 cards a flexible choice for various network architectures.

Another significant characteristic of the Intel PRO/100 is its use of advanced bus mastering technology. This feature enhances data throughput by allowing the network adapter to take control of the system's bus when transmitting data. By doing so, it minimizes CPU overhead, which results in better overall system performance and efficient network communication. This was particularly beneficial in environments where network traffic was heavy, allowing the processors to handle other tasks without being bogged down.

The Intel PRO/100 series was also incorporated with Intel’s Plug and Play technology. This innovation simplified the installation process, automatically detecting the hardware and configuring it to work with existing system resources. As a result, system administrators could save time and reduce errors during setup, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to streamline their IT operations.

In terms of compatibility, the PRO/100 adapters supported a variety of network operating systems, including Windows NT, Linux, and Novell NetWare, providing users with a versatile solution for integrating into existing infrastructures. Furthermore, the cards were designed with high-quality, durable components to ensure longevity and reliability even in demanding environments.

Intel also emphasized the importance of network security and management with these adapters. The PRO/100 series featured capabilities for diagnostics and performance monitoring, allowing administrators to quickly identify and resolve network issues. Advanced features like Wake-on-LAN (WoL) provided additional functionality, enabling remote management and maintenance.

In conclusion, the Intel PRO/100 network adapter series represented a significant leap in networking technology during its time. With features such as dual-speed functionality, bus mastering, Plug and Play installation, and extensive compatibility, it laid the foundation for future innovations in network communication, solidifying Intel's reputation as a leader in networking solutions. Whether for small businesses or large enterprises, the PRO/100 series offered the reliability and performance critical to maintaining efficient and effective network operations.
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